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Aretha Franklin's Rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner' Causes a Social Media Stir

Some thought her rendition was too long, while others loved it

The internet went berserk after soul singer Aretha Franklin belted out "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Lions-Vikings game Thursday afternoon.

Franklin's gospel rendition lasted four and a half minutes, about twice as long as the traditional length. She sat at a black piano, adding riffs to the patriotic tune while wearing a Detroit Lions hat. Players from both teams swayed back and forth as a large American flag fluttered in the wind on the field. 

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It was a sight to see and hear with her vocals resulting in a firestorm on Twitter -- some expressed their love for Franklin while others made Thanksgiving Day jokes about the length of her tune.

"I'm glad #ArethaFranklin sang an extended version of the National Anthem.. took them to Church ..made them search their hearts," MC Hammer tweeted.

Here's some additional tweets:

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